Why do rats need protein? 

Rats need protein for their general health- growth, hormones, body system function, and tissues. 

How much protein do rats need in their diet? 

Rats need about 12-14% protein.

Fiber can reduce protein absorption in some foods. While it should be monitored, studies have shown that a small amount of fiber provides benefits.

What if my rats don't get enough protein? 

Rats get essential amino acids from protein- so naturally, when rats don't get enough protein, there is a deficiency in essential amino acids. Rats have twenty-two amino acids, but only eight of them are essential. An amino acid qualifies as 'essential' when it can't be produced in the body without help from foods.  

Deficiency in amino acids can lead to an array of problems- loss of body mass (weight), loss of muscle mass, reduction in all (non-essential) amino acid production, decrease in quality of life, and if left without treatment it cal lead to death.

What about vegan proteins? 

Exclusively-vegan protein in a dry mix can be okay for rats, though it is generally recommended that their diet is supplemented with some animal proteins- especially with pregnant/nursing mothers and young babies. This doesn't have to be meat- hard-boiled egg whites or milk are pure sources and can be sufficient so long as they're given often. If you're okay with feeding seafood (pescatarian), dried (and/or fresh) fish and shrimp are good protein sources as well as some dog foods that don't contain red meats or poultry.  

Kidney Issues 

Rats are prone to kidney disease. Rats' kidneys begin to deteriorate as they age, resulting in a higher sensitivity to protein. If too much protein is given to a rat who already has or is at high risk of kidney problems due to age or genetic history, it can accelerate the rate at which damage occurs because of the way that extra protein is excreted.  

Why do rats need carbohydrates? 

Carbs provide energy and nutrients. They come from sugars (including natural sugars from fruit, etc.) and starches (corn, potatoes, wheat/flour, etc.) 

How many carbohydrates do rats need in their diet? 

Carbs are rats’ main source of energy, so they should make up around 75-80% of your mix. 

What if rats don’t get enough or have too many carbs? 

If rats aren’t given enough carbs their energy will deplete. They won't have the stamina to make it through every-day activities and will eventually become underweight. Warning signs to look out for if your rats are low in carbs are lethargy or lack of enthusiasm during normal daily activities and otherwise inexplicable weight loss. 

If given too many carbs, the excess will turn into fat which can cause issues such as obesity, tumors, and reduced overall quality of life. 

Why do rats need fat? 

Fat is used for energy as well as to get certain essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6). Without it, they can have severe complications and loss of function. 

How much fat do rats need in their diet? 

Despite how important it is to include in their diet, fat should only make up about 4-6% of your mix. 

What if a rat has too much fat in their diet? 

If rats are given too much fat, they’ll be at higher risk of issues like high blood pressure and fatty tumors as well as complications with pregnancy and birth. Another common issue from consuming too much fat is obesity. If a rat is obese, they are more likely to suffer from mammary tumors, (other) benign tumors, pituitary tumors/reduced brain function, strokes, diabetes, and an ultimately shorter lifespan- so in short, it’s always good to be precise with the fat content in your mix as well how many treats that are high in fats (nuts, oils, fatty meats, etc.) are given.